Product Description

Adrafinil is a pro-drug currently unregulated in the US but prescribed in some European countries to promote wakefulness and aid in the prevention of Narcolepsy. Its effects are almost identical to the prescription drug, Modafinil (Provigil, Alertec, Modalert) as it metabolizes in the liver to create an identical substance with nearly identical effects.

Adrafinil must be taken with caution. Although, it is almost identical to Modafinil, during the breakdown process the liver has to work extra hard to complete this “transformation” process to Modafinil. Adrafinil should not be taken if you are currently on other substances that will put excess strain on the liver or in individuals with liver problems (Hepatitis etc…). With this said, if your liver is healthy and you take Adrafinil with due caution it is reasonable to say you should suffer from limited side effects and health defects.

Adrafinil vs Modafinil

Adrafinil differs from Modafinil only in one area. The pharmacological effects expected can be similar in both substances but the time they take to work differs. Adrafinil takes slightly longer to take effect at roughly 45min – 1 hour. This is expected due to the extra time it takes to be metabolized in the liver.

The half-life of Adrafinil is only one hour whereas the half-life of Modafinil is 12-15 hours. This can be slightly misleading, because Adrafinil converts to Modafinil and therefore the length of effects and half-lives will almost be identical. The short term half-life of Adrafinil means it is eliminated from the liver rather quickly. This contributes to the strain it puts on the liver as the quicker it is removed the harder your liver works. Reducing other substances like other prescriptions, alcohol and even certain herbal supplements and foods will help reduce excess strain.

Adrafinil is Not a Nootropic

At AdvanceNootropics.com we do not consider Adrafinil to be a nootropic substance. It is technically considered a “smart pro-drug”. We strongly advise in the use of nootropics vs smart drugs but some individuals just don’t think the effects of nootropics are strong enough. It is their bodies and their own personal decision to use which ever substance they feel helps them in their activities.

Adrafinil is prescribed in Europe for generic purposes such as shift work and times when you need excessive focus. In the US, Adrafinil can be obtained over the counter but it may not be that way for long as the FDA may try to ban it when there are cases of negative side effects. Unlike nootropics, which have been considered relatively safe drugs, Adrafinil and the like of related prescription smart drugs have considerably more side effects and dangers. These smart drugs will also not protect your brain from oxidative stress and free radicals like the racetam nootropics do. Please use Adrafinil responsibly.

Adrafinil Method of Action

Adrafinil’s method of action is not fully understood. Like Modafinil and other smart drugs, it is known to increase levels of catecholamines like Norepinephrine and Dopamine. Although these catecholamine boosting properties are common in amphetamine smart drug stimulants like Adderall, it is not believed to be Adrafinil’s main method of action.

This is why Adrafinil and Modafinil are marketed as “wakefulness boosters” and not amphetamine based drugs used to treat ADHD and similar disorders. Some evidence to promote this theory is the fact that Dopamine antagonists do not decrease the effects of Adrafinil and Modafinil like they are known to do with the other amphetamine ADHD medications.

Adrafinil is thought to increase histamine levels in the hypothalamus. This increase in histamine levels in the hypothalamus results in many complex factors that may lead to its overall alertness and wakefulness effects. This is the most widely accepted theory however there are other accepted theories on Adrafinils method of action. At this time it is entirely unclear which method of action may be correct.

Adrafinil Side Effects

Adrafinils side effects can range from mild to severe. Here are some of the common and less severe side effects of Adrafinil.

Nervousness

Insomnia

Headaches

Aggressiveness/Agitation

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

The other more severe side effects need to be explored before using Adrafinil. Adrafinil will share similar side effects with Modafinil with the added danger of liver damage. Please visit the Modafinil website for more detailed information. Use Adrafinil with caution and at your own risk and consult a doctor before use. AdvanceNootropics.com does not recommend the use of Adrafinil without a prescription.